McDonald’s is giving away millions of free books to children to celebrate World Book Day.

Staff at all restaurants on Thursday will be handing out copies of Mr Silly – a story from the Mr.Men and Little Miss collection – after fresh research revealed that one in five children doesn’t have access to a book of their own at home.

The fast-food outlet says it hopes the huge giveaway will ‘get more books into the hands of children who need them’ and is on top of its existing partnership with World Book Day, which means Happy Meal boxes also come with the free £1 book tokens until March 26.

World Book Day will see children up and down the country celebrate reading through various activities that may include dressing up as their favourite character or taking their favourite stories into school or nursery.

But latest research from the National Literacy Trust has revealed that one in five young children, aged between five and eight, don’t have access to a book at home – which is an average of six children in every UK classroom and thought to be the highest rate since 2019 as a result of the cost of living crisis.

Families wishing to collect a free book from their nearest McDonald’s today (March 7) can do so without needing to buy any food or drink.

Louise Page, Head of Consumer Communications and Partnerships at McDonald’s UK said: “It’s harrowing to hear that so many young children still don’t have access to books and it makes us more determined than ever to further our commitment by getting books into the hands of kids that need them the most.

“Our mission is to ensure all children, no matter their background, can access the joy of reading.”